New York Islanders playoff history: 80s Stanley Cup domination, playoff wins, conference finals and more explored

The New York Islanders dominated the NHL in the early 1980s. Armed with a savvy head coach in Al Arbour, a legendary sniper in Mike Bossy, a defensive stalwart in captain Denis Potvin, and one of the league’s most colorful characters in Billy Smith, the Isles would go on to capture four straight Stanley Cups.

The Isles entered the league in 1972, adding a second New York-based franchise to the league. However, things didn’t get off to a good start. The New York Islanders finished in last place, netting the first overall pick in the 1973 draft. As luck would have it, the Islanders selected Denis Potvin with the pick.

1974 saw the Islanders add two cornerstone players via the draft, Clark Gillies and Bryan Trottier. By 1977, the Isles drafted Mike Bossy with the 15th overall pick. The team established the core that would go on to become a legend in NHL history.

By 1979, the New York Islanders became a force. Trottier won the Hart and Art Ross Trophies, while Bossy notched 69 goals. But a championship was not yet meant to be. The rival New York Rangers bounced the Islanders in the semi-finals.

While upsetting, the stage was set for the New York Islanders to go on a historic run that would end at the hands of another dynasty.

New York Islanders dynasty, decline, and resurgence

The 1979-1980 season ushered in a new decade and a new champion. The Isles topped 100 points during the regular season. They went on to beat the Philadelphia Flyers to capture the team’s first Stanley Cup.

The New Islanders’ dominance continued for the following two seasons. In 1981, the Mike Bossy netted 50 goals in 50 games. He would set a record with 147 points in 80 games in 1982.

With three straight Cups under their belts, the New York Islanders faced off another dynasty in the making: the Edmonton Oilers. Bossy and company swept Wayne Gretzky and the Oilers to capture their fourth Cup in a row.

In 1984, the Isles reached their fifth straight final, meeting Gretzky and the Oilers. But this time, Gretzky lifted the Cup, ending one of hockey’s most iconic runs.

Since then, despite solid seasons, the club has been unable to replicate its dominance from the early 1980s. The Isles would go 23 years without a playoff series win until former captain John Tavares led the club past the Florida Panthers in 2016.

Most recently, the Islanders reached the Conference Finals in back-to-back years, coming close to reaching the Finals in 2020-2021.

This year’s Islanders lineup features a mix of young talent and veteran leadership. With Hall of Famer Patrick Roy behind the bench, there’s a renewed sense that Islanders’ fans can look forward to the Cup returning to Long Island after 40 long years.